Dear Immaculate Family,

Each year, as Advent draws near, the Church puts before us images of the end of the world. They are disturbing images: “In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken…” However, the intention of this apocalyptic passage is not to frighten us but to give us hope. The most important message here is not how things will happen but rather that whatever happens, Jesus will be with us. “Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away”.

Everything passes away. Everything can be thrown down. Everything can fall down. But God's love for you will never fail. You may see the world collapsing around you. You may see your own personal world upside down or falling apart… but never forget this: heaven and earth will pass away but God’s love for you will never pass away. When we claim in faith that Jesus stands with us in the midst of the chaos of the world, it can give us hope.

The intention of these passages about the end of the world is also to show us how to live in the present time. Knowing that there will be an end to this world and to our personal world helps us put everything in its proper place and never lose sight of what is truly important in life: loving God and one another. The gospel says that on that day the angels of the Lord will gather the elect. The elect are those who love God and do His will. Our challenge is to live as the elect every single day of our lives by listening to the Word of God and putting it into practice. The best way to be ready for the day of the Lord, whenever it may come, is turning every single day into a day of the Lord, for the Lord, and with the Lord.

God bless you all!

Fr. Rolando